Online Counseling Infographic: How a New Generation is Changing Therapy Forever

Online Counseling Infographic: How a New Generation is Changing Therapy Forever

by SBU OnlineMarch 26, 2020

online counseling

Like many services in today’s technology-saturated world, the advent of online counseling means therapy no longer requires a physical meeting between patient and therapist.

Now, the habits of the millennial generation are transforming how people feel about therapy as well as how they seek it out.

Today, online counseling, meaning meeting with a therapist on your computer, tablet, or smartphone, is rapidly becoming the norm, especially among younger people, who are often most in need of treatment.

Online Counseling Meets Unique Patient Needs

A few years ago, remote therapy wasn’t a widely available option for most people seeking treatment.

Now, therapists and patients can connect using:

Email

Texting

Web chatting

Video conferencing

Email allows therapists to stay in touch with hard-to-reach patients, who may otherwise not be able to meet the rigorous schedule of regular office visits. Online counseling allows therapists to email important information to patients, who can access that information any time they wish.

Texting has replaced phone conversations among a wide swath of today's population. For online counseling, texting is a non-intrusive way for mental health professionals to reach patients without adding to their mental health burden.

Web chatting is the perfect solution for patients who, for whatever reason, cannot visit a counselor's office, but still require a more one-on-one theraputic approach. Online counseling via web chatting is also immediate, meaning patients with urgent needs can have those needs met regardless of location or time.

Video conferencing, a natural extension of web chatting, adds the personal element of face-to-face communication to online counseling. Therapists can schedule regular check-ups to monitor patient progress and be sure prescribed medication and therapies are being taken.

Clinicians Use Remote Technology to Offer Online Counseling

Clients often have busy schedules that don't allow for traditional approaches, whereas online couseling is far more flexible.

At the most extreme end of the spectrum, sometimes the clients most in need of treatment simply cannot leave their homes. For example, the COVID-19 pandemic caused shelter-in-place orders in many states, leaving those seeking therapy to look for alternatives to face-to-face visits.

Others may simply prefer to stay home or feel more comfortable receiving online counseling there.

Another benefit of online counseling is how it facilitates reaching rural and remote locations. People in these areas typically are unable to receive in-person treatment, meaning online counseling may be their only option.

Ultimately, online counseling helps a larger number of clients feel more comfortable. Some patients, like the young or those with autism-spectrum issues, may prefer to avoid being in close proximity with others.

Online counseling simply allows therapists and other mental health professionals provide care to more of those most in need.

The Rise of Online Counseling

Internet connectivity has increased by leaps and bounds, with more people becoming technology-fluent, more open to using new technologies, and more likely to own a device that grants them access to the Internet.

As technology advances and perceptions continue to change, online counseling is sure to become ever more common.

This shift represents a sea change in how mental health counseling is delivered in the United States, meaning learning how to counsel effectively over the Internet is a skill that is already in demand.

St. Bonaventure University's online MSED in Mental Health Counseling teaches you the skills and techniques necessary to be an effective 21st century counselor.

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